4 Scientifically-Based Benefits of CBD

Touted for its many health benefits, CBD is
growing in popularity every day.

CBD (Cannabidiol) is one of the 100+ chemical
compounds, known as cannabinoids, that are produced by the cannabis plant.

Several years ago, very few people knew what
the acronym CBD stood for let alone know its benefits. However, this narration
has changed as rarely a day passes without the mention of CBD in connection to
its many natural health benefits.

WHY IS CBD SO POPULAR?

As already mentioned, the cannabis plant
boasts of more than 100 chemical compounds that interact with each other to
bring about the various effects in the human body. However, CBD and THC are the
most prevalent and well-understood of the cannabinoids.

THC, short for tetrahydrocannabinol is the
main psychoactive chemical compound in the cannabis plant. It is the main
reason we get high after consuming cannabis.

CBD, on the other hand, won’t get you high.
This makes it an ideal option for marijuana patients who want to enjoy the
super-healing power of the cannabis plant without experiencing mind-altering
effects.

Although more research still needs to be done,
preliminary findings have portrayed CBD as a helpful compound in the treatment
of many health conditions. In this post, we will look at some of the benefits
and uses of Cannabidiol, as shown by research.

1. CBD CAN RELIEVE CHRONIC PAIN

Did you know that the use of marijuana for
pain dates back as far as 3000 years ago? However, the exact
components responsible for its pain-relieving effect have just been discovered
a few years ago. CBD is one of these compounds.

Our body is composed of a specialized system
known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system
regulates various body functions such as sleep, appetite, pain, and immune system response.

The human body produces endocannabinoids
(neurotransmitters) that naturally bind to cannabinoid receptors in the nervous
system.

CBD can help relieve pain by reducing inflammation

According to studies, CBD may help remedy chronic pain by
either, interacting with neurotransmitters, reducing inflammation, or impacting
the normal functioning of endocannabinoid receptors.

In a study involving 47 multiple
sclerosis patients, it was discovered that those who received
Sativex (a combination of CBD and THC) experienced considerable improvement in
walking, muscle spasms and pain as compared to those who received a placebo.

Several studies have shown that a combination
of THC and CBD can help treat pain in multiple sclerosis and arthritis
patients.

In another study involving people suffering
from rheumatoid arthritis, it was discovered that
Sativex helped improve sleep quality, pain at rest, and in movement for all the
58 participants.

2.
CBD HELPS REDUCE ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more
than 300 million people suffer from depression. According to WHO, more than
800,000 people die due to suicide every year. Further, WHO states that
depression is the largest single contributor to disability
across the globe. Anxiety disorders are the sixth largest contributor to
disability.

These simple statistics show that anxiety and
depression are common medical disorders. You should therefore not feel alone
since, as you have seen, more than 300 million people have gone through the
same or similar things that you are experiencing right now.

Over 300 million people worldwide suffer from depression

Although most people still rely on
pharmaceutical drugs to deal with these conditions, some of these drugs are not
only ineffective but may also have severe side effects or lead to substance
abuse. It is for this reason that most people have opted to take relief in
medical marijuana.

A group of 24 people suffering from social
anxiety disorder were either given a placebo or 600 mg of CBD just before a
public speaking test.

It was discovered that the group that received
CBD experienced less discomfort, cognitive impairment, and anxiety in
their speech performance than their
counterparts who received a placebo.

Several animal studies have also shown CBD to
have antidepressant properties.

Researchers credit these properties of CBD to
its ability to impact the brain’s receptors for serotonin. Serotonin is a
neurotransmitter responsible for regulating social behavior and mood changes.

3.
CBD MAY HELP REDUCE ACNE

According to research, more than 9.4% of
the global population suffers from acne. This is a skin condition that can be
caused by several factors such as underlying inflammation, bacteria, genetics,
and over secretion of sebum.

Researchers believe that due to its ability to
reduce sebum secretion and its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD may help treat
acne.

According to a study on the effects of CBD on human sebocytes, it was
discovered that the compound helped prevent the secretion of excessive sebum.
It was also discovered that the compound inhibited the activation of pro-acne
agents such as inflammatory cytokines.

A 2016 review highlighted the antifungal and antibacterial effects
of the cannabis plant. It is believed that these properties may help reduce or
prevent infections from pollutants or dirt on the skin.

Although the initial findings are promising,
more study is still needed to verify the effectiveness of CBD as a natural
remedy for acne.

4.
CBD MAY HELP ALLEVIATE CANCER-RELATED SYMPTOMS

We can never talk about the health benefits of
CBD without mentioning its effects on cancer symptoms. It is still too early to
make claims about CBD for cancer, but preliminary findings show that the
compound can help alleviate the side effects of various treatments associated
with cancer treatments.

Another way through which CBD can help cancer
patients is through its pain relieving properties. Both cancer and its
treatment can lead to severe pain, mainly due to the inflammation, nerve
injury, or pressure on internal organs. Too much pain can become resistant to
powerful pain relievers such as opioids.

A study was conducted to find out the effect
of both THC and CBD on cancer-patients who could
not react to the standard pain-reducing techniques. It was discovered that
those who received a combination of both THC and CBD experienced improved
symptoms than those who were treated with THC only. By indirectly acting on CB2
receptors, CBD may help reduce inflammation, hence reducing the pain.

Another common effect of cancer treatments,
such as chemotherapy is nausea and vomiting. Although you can always use
pharmaceutical drugs to treat these symptoms, some of these drugs are
ineffective hence prompting people to seek alternatives such as CBD.

CBD can help reduce the pain associated with cancer and its treatment

In a study involving 16 people undergoing
chemo, it was discovered that a combination of both THC and CBD helped reduce
chemo-related vomiting and nausea better than the
standard treatments alone.

Some animal and test-tube studies show that
CBD may actually have anticancer
properties. In one of the test-tube studies, concentrated CBD helped
castigate the death of cancerous breast cells in human. In another study, CBD
was seen to inhibit the growth and spread of aggressive cancerous breast cells
in mice.

However, more studies and research is needed.
If you are a cancer patient and planning to use CBD for the symptoms, it is
crucial that you talk with your doctor first as he will be able to advise you
appropriately.

It is clear that indeed, CBD can benefit human
health in different ways. Pet owners are also turning to CBD for the health and
well-being of their dogs and other pets.

Whatever you use CBD for, make sure to follow the right dosage instructions, this compound is after all a drug like any other. Seek professional advice if you have concerns about side effects of adding CBD to your treatment plan.